Does your business need a waste assessment?

The CCH Environmental Group will work with local businesses to create a waste audit. A waste assessment is simply an analysis of materials that are discarded. Once a business is familiar with the types and volumes of waste produced, it can then determine which materials are economical to recycle and which can be eliminated entirely. We can also provide information on efficient internal systems to collect the recyclable materials, and a listing of local businesses that provide recycling services.

Join a Materials Exchange Program

Ohio’s Materials Exchange (OMEx) is an informational forum fostering the lawful exchange, reuse and recycling of otherwise waste industrial materials. OMEx publishes no-cost materials wanted and available ads for the purpose of facilitating exchanges for users who then work out the details of payment, transportation and storage. Ads are placed and updated by the listing entities. Information provided through OMEx is supplied by the listing party. OMEx began in 1998. It is administered by the Association of Ohio Recyclers and funded through the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Energy Office. Waste Alternatives, Inc., of Mount Vernon, Ohio services and maintains the listing

U.S. EPA WasteWise Program

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a program called WasteWise which has valuable information to assist you in reducing your business waste.

To find out more, visit the EPA’s home webpage at: www.epa.gov. Click on “Resources”, then “Partners”, then “Waste Management” and finally, “WasteWise” or call the WasteWise helpline at: 800-372-9473.

Waste reduction can help protect the environment by slowing the depletion of natural resources and reducing the pollution associated with the extraction of raw materials in addition to conserving valuable landfill space.

The most effective way to reduce your company’s waste is to generate less in the first place. You can adopt a wide range of waste prevention strategies. A few are listed below:

Use or manufacture minimal or reusable packaging.

Establish preferred packaging guidelines for suppliers.

Use and maintain durable equipment and supplies.

Reuse products and supplies when possible.

Reduce the use of hazardous items when possible.

Use supplies and materials more efficiently and try to eliminate unnecessary items.

Simple Measures Can Help…

In fiscal year 2004, the U.S. Postal Service—Dallas District collected nearly 7.500 tons of mixed paper and another 360 tons of cardboard. Undeliverable mail and mixed office waste paper were transported—using existing transportation routes—to central hubs for recycling. These efforts alone generated more than $319,000 in revenue and saved the Dallas District an additional $245,000 in trash hauling costs.

Small Business Compliance Assistance

There are many small businesses that are subject to environmental laws and, although small business owners want to comply, they are often not aware of the laws that apply to them. In addition, small business owners have many priorities and sometimes limited resources to devote to environmental compliance. With this, it can be difficult for them to keep up with changes in the regulations.

Recognizing these challenges, Ohio EPA offers compliance assistance “to help small businesses understand and comply with the environmental regulations that apply to them.” The services of the office are free, non-regulatory and available to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.